What follows is a truly inspiring story demonstrating one individuals love of county and failure to bend to his North Vietnamese captors.

This week marks the 42nd anniversary of the release of Americans that were taken prisoner during the Vietnam War. On March 29, 1973, the last 67 POWs were released from the infamous Hanoi Hilton, where men endured miserable conditions in the fight for freedom.

Meet one of the survivors of the North Vietnamese Prison Camps, Colonel George “Bud” Day, who was held prisoner for five years and seven months. You might not have any recollection of the name, however it is one you will want to remember.

After hearing the remarkable story of Col. Day’s survival, you won’t soon forget.

In 1967 then-Major George “Bud” Day, a veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, was leading a mission over North Vietnam, when he was shot down.

Upon landing, he was captured and taken to a bunker where he was harshly interrogated. Despite treatment that would break many men, Day refused to talk.

He would eventually escape, but was then recaptured by the North Vietnamese, and taken to the Hanoi Hilton. For his valorous actions and unbreakable spirit from 1967-1973, Day would receive the Medal of Honor.

George “Bud” Day and other veterans like him are the backbone of our great country. It is their fortitude and courage that have built our nation. It is crucial that the stories of these veterans be passed on for generations to come and the American Veterans Centers sets out to do just that.

The American Veterans Center works rigorously to guard the legacies and honor the sacrifices of all American veterans. By doing this, we ensure that these extraordinary people and firsthand accounts of history will never be forgotten.